News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – A new website was launched today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, to provide updates on the provincial government’s progress in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.

“One year ago, our government released a progress report outlining work already completed or underway on more than two dozen calls to action,” said Aboriginal Affairs Minister Arlene Dunn. “This website is a quick and easy way for government to provide updates for the public and remain accountable as we walk a path toward reconciliation.”

The commission’s final report was released in 2015. It called on all levels of government, in addition to organizations and residents of Canada, to take action to mend the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

The report included 94 calls to action, 31 of which are the responsibility of the provincial government.

“As you will note, we are making many advancements,” said Dunn. “But, as I have indicated before, reconciliation is an ongoing process. It is not about checking boxes on a list, and there is still much to be done. We have trust to rebuild, relationships to establish and concrete actions to implement that demonstrate we are sincere in our commitment to reconciliation.”

Dunn said the government is making progress in several areas, including:

•           Waiving fees to make it easier for survivors of residential schools and their family members to reclaim traditional names.

•           Engaging with First Nations to commission and install a publicly accessible, highly visible residential schools monument in Fredericton to honour survivors and the children who did not survive residential schools.

•           Agreements between the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and First Nations for curriculum development on the history of residential schools.

•           Smudging ceremonies being available across the Horizon Health Network, when requested, and sacred medicines (sage, cedar and sweetgrass) being available at most hospitals.

•           Having Indigenous patient navigators at hospitals in Fredericton and Miramichi, serving as a resource and point of contact for Indigenous patients and their families, health-care providers and community members, to ensure the provision of care is culturally safe and client-centred.

•           The Department of Aboriginal Affairs co-ordinating opportunities for cultural awareness training for all public servants. This will include training on topics such as the history of Indigenous peoples in New Brunswick and residential and day schools.